What iconic US boardwalks looked like during their glory days — and what they look like today

Whether your idea of a good vacation consists of roller coasters, ocean views, and heaps of sweets or not, most everyone can agree that something about a well-cultivated boardwalk — where all of the aforementioned things, and more, are offered — is unequivocally charming. And back in the day, the allure offered by some of the most iconic US boardwalks went largely unrivaled.

From Coney Island Boardwalk's fantastical, late-Luna Park to the more modern appeal of The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk in South Carolina, here's how some of the most iconic boardwalks have evolved.

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The Atlantic City Boardwalk in New Jersey is considered one of America's most famed promenades.

The first city to legally offer gambling outside of Nevada, Atlantic City was once the East Coast's dominating beach destination. While some consider its true heyday to have taken place in the early 1960s, the Atlantic City Boardwalk was popular all the way back in the early 1900s (it was built in 1870), as of people flocked to it to enjoy the sunshine, confection shops, and amusements.

While the "Boardwalk Empire" appeared to be waning in popularity, a massive amount of effort has been spent in reviving it to its former glory.

Construction workers have been working on a $50 million project that will eventually connect The Atlantic City Boardwalk with Gardner's Basin, thus extending the promenade.

"I always say Atlantic City is like Dracula — you can't kill it, no matter how hard we try," state Sen. Jim Whelan, who was mayor of Atlantic City from 1990 to 2001, told USA Today.

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The fabled Coney Island Boardwalk in New York started as a private resort in the 1820s.

Sunbathers on the beach at Coney Island in 1953.
Associated Press

In the 1920s, Coney Island opened to the public with immense fanfare. The magical theme-park district at Coney Island featured amusement rides and race tracks, but visitors could also explore the many concessions, bathing pavilions, theaters, hotels, and restaurants, too.

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Between 1880 and World War II, Coney Island boasted the largest amusement area in the US.

People outside the entrance to Luna Park on Coney Island, New York.
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Officially known as Atlantic Avenue, The Ocean City Boardwalk in Maryland has been around since 1900.

The boardwalk is Maryland's first, and was birthed when several oceanfront hotel owners collectively decided to construct a wooden walkway for their guests. The boardwalk grew to include all the traditional amusements, such as games and rides, as well as an array of different sweets and salty snacks.

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In 2012, The Ocean City Boardwalk underwent a renovation.

Even though the actual wood on the boardwalk is new and improved, the revered pedestrian thruway still boasts all the classic comforts: fries, soft serve ice cream, popcorn, candy, and, of course, beer.

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The construction of The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk in South Carolina was completed in 2010, rendering it a fairly new promenade.

Today, the old seaside attraction retains its sense of charm and childhood nostalgia, even as it progresses with the times.

As David Rowell wrote in a 2012 edition of NPR's "All Things Considered," the countless hallmarks of a good boardwalk — salt water taffy, mood rings, mini golf, and more — are still available at Rehoboth.

"The boardwalk is more than a walk along the ocean; it's a walk back in time, a parade of innocent pleasures," Rowell concluded.

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Back in 1888, the Virginia Beach boardwalk was laid down between 12th and 16th streets.

Originally only four blocks long, these days the boardwalk stretches down 40 blocks.

Rollerbladers, bikers, and walkers alike can enjoy all the attractions the 28-foot-wide boardwalk has to offer, including live music, different vendors, and the famed statue of King Neptune, pictured above.

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The Hollywood Beach Broadwalk in Florida was allegedly patterned after The Atlantic City Boardwalk.

Originally, the 30-foot-wide promenade was meant to entice potential beachfront property buyers. It now features a reconstructed path for walking in addition to a biking lane and a jogging path.

Even though the stretch largely operates as a boardwalk, it is actually called a broadwalk.

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Now, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk appeals to a more modern crowd.

A group of tourists sitting on wall by the beach watching a couple dance on the boardwalk with palm trees in background in Hollywood, Florida on January 10, 2018:
Alan Budman/Shutterstock

Whereas some boardwalks adamantly only serve old-timey, nostalgic favorites such as saltwater taffy or corn dogs, the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk is lined with outdoor cafés that include modern staples such as organic farmers' markets and juice bars.